The prints are reproduced as accurately as possible based on the original paintings. The images are not distorted in any way to make them fit standard print sizes. The images are enlarged or reduced proportionally to fit as close to the standard size as possible. This means the images are not cropped and each print will have every detail of the original painting. Consequently most prints will have a white border which can be covered with matte board prior to framing.

All orders are custom printed and shipped flat in boxes for domestic orders. Our largest prints and International orders are shipped on rolls due to shipping size restrictions.

A very important note: Each print is custom made to order and is therefore non-returnable. In the unlikely event that the print has a production defect, it will be replaced with the same size reproduction of the same exact piece of artwork. There are no exceptions to this policy.

About this beautiful image -

Also called "Blenheim Madonna" this altarpiece was painted for the Servite Church San Fiorenzo where it embellished the San Niccolò di Bari chapel. It was commissioned by the family of Filippo di Simoni Ansidei ... whence its name. The Ansidei Madonna was purchased by the 3rd Duke of Marlborough in 1764 for his castle of Blenheim. It became the property of the British government in 1885 and is now in the National Gallery in London.

Mary enthroned on an elevated pedestal is flanked by two saints: St. John the Baptist to her right pointing with his right hand to Jesus, and St. Nicholas of Bari on Mary's left side reading the Book. So does Mary! She looks down at the book that lies on the folds of her blue mantle draped over her left knee. The fingers of her left hand are curved over the pages holding the book open or pointing to a particular passage. Mary's right hand rests on Jesus' shoulder. He sits on her right knee looking pensively at the book. He holds in his left hand the blue and gold striped sash which winds around his arm and body. Mary's head is framed with her mantle. The face is that of a youthful mother, dignified and imposing in all her gracefulness. She wears a red dress. The inscription over her head says in Latin: "Salve Mater Christi."

St. John the Baptist

Also known as
Joannes Baptista
John the Baptizer
John the Forerunner
Juan Bautista

Memorial
24 June (birth)
29 August (death)

Profile
Cousin of Jesus Christ. Son of Zachary, a priest of the order of Abia whose job in the temple was to burn incense; and of Elizabeth, a descendent of Aaron. As Zachary was ministering in the Temple, an angel brought him news that Elizabeth would bear a child filled with the Holy Spirit from the moment of his birth. Zachary doubted and was struck dumb until John's birth.

Prophet. Began his ministry around age 27, wearing a leather belt and a tunic of camel hair, living off locusts and wild honey, and preaching a message of repentance to the people of Jerusalem. He converted many, and prepared the way for the coming of Jesus. Baptized Christ, after which he stepped away and told his disciples to follow Jesus.

Imprisoned by King Herod. He died a victim of the vengeance of a jealous woman; he was beheaded, and his head brought to her on a platter. Saint Jerome says Herodias kept the head for a long time after, occassionally stabbing the tongue with his dagger.

Died
beheaded c.30 at Machaerus; buried at Sebaste, Samaria; relics in Saint Sylvester's church, Rome, Italy, and at Amiens, France